Office software 'could provide business solutions'

News Article - 14 December 2006
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Businesses are expected to benefit from the modern features of Microsoft's Office communications software, which will allow corporate staff to make internet-based phone calls.

The Office server, which is due for release in the second quarter of 2007, is to be released to some 2,500 companies for early testing before it is officially launched on the market.

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) will be among Office's useful features for businesses, complemented by audio and video web conferencing facilities.

Corporate users will be able to make calls to others with the application by clicking on a person's name and checking their availability.

One of Microsoft's group product managers, Paul Duffy, told Techworld: "Customers can deploy Office Communications Server and Communicator with infrastructure they have - with IP telephony that they might have from one of those vendors - or they can deploy it in conjunction with an IP PSTN gateway."

According to IT Pro, Microsoft's chief executive Steve Ballmer has said that within ten years, all business communications will be internet-based.

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